Finanical Aid . . . an Ongoing Process - More than two-thirds of American college students receive financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, or student loans. Often, a student's choice of college or university is based on the financial aid package he or she receives. The application process can be challenging and time consuming, but it is one that literally pays off. However, an initial financial aid award is not a guarantee that the student will continue to receive that amount as she progresses through her college years. She must fulfill certain obligations annually such as completing the FAFSA, making satisfactory grades, and avoiding legal trouble such as drug offenses. For a list and explanation of these obligations, click here.

New Streaming Service Produces Virtual College Fairs - Virtual college fairs are now available! StreamableU from Streamable Learning will feature livestreams of college admissions departments and a subscription service with online events with college preparation experts. The livestreams are typically 20 to 40 minutes long with chat-based real-time question and answer sessions. While the virtual college programs will be free to participants, the live streaming college prep sessions are accessible with a $99 subscription. Students with subscriptions will gain access to ACT and SAT test prep boot camps and workshops on topics such as choosing high school courses, passing exams, building a college list, making the most of college visits, and applying for scholarships and financial aid.

Is a Liberal Arts College Right for You?- Small, four-year colleges often lack the glitz and frenzy of large universities, but they possess qualities that some students may see as advantages. Known as Liberal Arts colleges, these institutions tend to focus on the undergraduate experience. They generally have student populations topping out at around 2,500, and thus are often associated with tight-knit, relatively intimate academic communities. Class sizes tend to be small as well, with discussion-based learning being the norm. Overall, Liberal Arts colleges are known for creating a sense of social responsibility in their graduates along with the ability to apply the knowledge they acquire in real-world settings. To learn more, click here.

Tulane University's "Ten Things to Do as a High School Junior" - Are you a member of the class of 2021? Tulane University, a nationally-ranked private university in New Orleans, has some recommendations for you. Click here to read more.

August 26th, 2019 -

Questions to Ask During a College Visit - In spite of the media's constant reporting to the contrary, college admissions in the United States remains a buyer's market. Horror stories about only one in ten or even fifteen applicants being accepted typically apply only to ultra-selective schools. The vast majority of schools eagerly court students with solid academic records, and there is much competition among these institutions to appeal to high school juniors and seniors. Knowing this, a student can visit a college he or she is interested in equipped with something of a shopper's mentality. Go prepared with questions designed to make the most of your visit, and challenge your hosts to give you the information you are looking for. Here is an excellent list of 36 questions to ask during a college visit.

University of Notre Dame/University of Virginia Admissions Event - The University of Notre Dame and the University of Virginia, two of our nations premier universities, will co-host an Information Night for interested students and parents this Tuesday, August 27th at 7 pm at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile.

A Student's Social Media Activity Can Impact College Admissions - With a single-digit acceptance rate, Harvard University has traditionally been among the most difficult colleges to get into. In recent years, however, even some of the select few who made it "in" had their offers of admissions taken back before they stepped foot on campus. The reason: inappropriate social media posts. It is possible, though, to use social media to positively enhance an application portfolio. For more information about how a student's online presence can influence her appeal to certain colleges, read further.

Remember to Have ACT or SAT Scores Sent to St. Michael - Students taking the ACT or SAT must have scores sent to St. Michael CHS. To do so, you will need our CEEB code, or sometimes simply referred to by the testing companies as our school code: 010003.

University of Alabama Birmingham Hosts Reception in Fairhope - On October 2, UAB will host UAB NIght - Baldwin County at the Grand Hotel in Fairhope. The event begins at 7 pm and continues until 8:30. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about UAB's programs and scholarship offerings, as well as to meet representative Morgan Alford. To register for the event, go here.

August 19th, 2019 -

FAFSA Application Opens October 1st - The 2019-2020 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application will be available starting October 1st. As its name indicates, this is a free application for federal aid. However, students will be required to complete this form before receiving virtually any type of finanancial aid (grants, scholarships, loans), since all schools use the information provided on the application to determine need. When the time comes, you can begin the process here.

University of Richmond Now Accepts Self-Reported ACT and SAT Scores - Students applying to the University of Richmond (Virginia) can now avoid the costs of sending official ACT or SAT scores for an application. Official scores will only be required in the event the student enrolls there. The University of Richmond regularly tops various rankings. Most recently, the Princeton Review gave the U of Richmond student body the designation of #9 happiest in the nation!

2019-2020 University of Alabama Application Now Open - The University of Alabama's application for admission is now available online at apply.ua.edu. Students will need to submit the application, the application fee, official ACT or SAT scores, and their high school transcript. For sending transcripts, see the news item below about Parchment Transcript Services.

St. Michael Moves to Parchment Transcript Services - Parchment now houses and sends out official transcripts for St. Michael Catholic HS. To have your transcript sent to a particular college or university, click on "Request a Transcript". You will be asked to set up an account and select the institution(s) you would like your document sent to. There is a small fee per transcript.

Auburn University No Longer Rolling Admissions - As of fall 2020, Auburn University will not be releasing admissions decisions on a rolling weekly basis. Instead, files will be read and decisions released in two rounds (Early Action in the fall and Regular Decision in the spring.) Please note that the scholarship application deadline remains December 15th.

St. Paul's Episcopal School Hosts 2019 Academy Night - On October 14th from 6 pm to 8 pm, St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile will be hosting Congressman Bradley Byrne and representatives from all of America's service academies - US Military Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Naval Academy, US Merchant Marine Academy and the US Coast Guard Academy. All students and parents residing in Alabama's 1st Congressional District are invited to attend. This event provides a unique opportunity to talk with academy personnel as well as the congressman whose nomination you might need for admission.